Introduction to Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce
As a busy mom, I know how challenging it can be to whip up something delicious after a long day. That’s why I absolutely love this Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce! It’s a quick solution that satisfies those cravings for something savory and satisfying. The crispy beef, coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, is sure to impress your loved ones. Plus, it’s easy enough to make on a weeknight, yet fancy enough for a special occasion. Trust me, this dish will become a favorite in your household!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce
This Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce is a game-changer for busy nights. It’s quick to prepare, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish. The combination of crispy beef and a sweet, tangy sauce creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with rice or noodles, making it a perfect fit for any meal. You’ll love how easy it is to impress your family!
Ingredients for Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce shine. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Rump or Sirloin Steak: Choose a tender cut for the best texture. You can also use flank steak if that’s what you have on hand.
- Egg: This helps bind the coating to the beef, giving it that delightful crunch.
- Corn or Potato Starch: This is your secret weapon for achieving that crispy exterior. It’s lighter than regular flour and works wonders!
- Sweet Onion: Adds a mild sweetness that balances the heat from the chillies.
- Bell Pepper: Use any color you like! It adds a pop of color and a slight crunch.
- Spring Onions: These bring a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
- Birdeye or Hot Chillies: For those who love a kick! Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
- Light Soy Sauce: This is essential for marinating the beef, adding depth and umami flavor.
- Ginger Garlic Paste: A must-have for that aromatic punch. You can make your own or buy it pre-made.
- Sesame Oil: Just a touch adds a nutty flavor that elevates the dish.
- Sugar: Balances the savory and spicy elements, enhancing the overall flavor.
- White Pepper: Offers a subtle heat and a unique flavor profile compared to black pepper.
- Sweet Chilli Sauce: This is the star of the show! It brings sweetness and a hint of spice.
- Ketchup: Adds a touch of tanginess and sweetness to the stir fry sauce.
- Vinegar: A splash of white or rice vinegar brightens the flavors and adds acidity.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning, but be mindful if you’re using soy sauce, as it’s already salty.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy cooking!
How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making this Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by cutting your steak into thin strips. Aim for about half an inch wide. This helps the beef cook quickly and evenly. Once cut, place the beef in a bowl and add the marinade ingredients: light soy sauce, ginger garlic paste, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Mix everything well, ensuring each piece is coated. Marinating for at least 15 minutes is crucial. It infuses the beef with flavor, making every bite delicious!
Step 2: Make the Stir Fry Sauce
While the beef is marinating, let’s whip up the stir fry sauce. In a small bowl, combine the sweet chilli sauce, ketchup, light soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir until everything is well mixed. This sauce is the heart of the dish, bringing that sweet and spicy kick. Set it aside for later; it’ll be ready to elevate your beef!
Step 3: Coat the Beef
After marinating, it’s time to coat the beef. Crack an egg into the bowl with the marinated beef and mix it in thoroughly. This helps the coating stick. Next, sprinkle the corn or potato starch over the beef. Toss it gently until each piece is well coated. Make sure they’re not clumped together. This step is key for achieving that crispy texture we all love!
Step 4: Fry the Beef
Heat oil in a deep pan or wok to about 350°F. You can test if it’s ready by dropping a small piece of beef in; it should sizzle immediately. Carefully add the coated beef strips in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 1-2 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. This step is where the magic happens—crispy beef is what we’re after!
Step 5: Stir Fry with Vegetables
In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium-high. Add a tablespoon of oil, then toss in the sweet onion and bell pepper. Stir for a few seconds until they start to soften. Now, add the crispy beef back into the pan. Pour in the stir fry sauce and toss everything together. Add the spring onions and fresh chillies, stirring for another 1-2 minutes. High heat is essential here; it helps to meld the flavors beautifully!
Step 6: Serve
Transfer your Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce to a serving plate. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with extra spring onions or chillies if you like. Serve it hot, alongside steamed rice or stir-fried noodles. Your family will be amazed at how delicious this dish is. Enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite!
Tips for Success
- Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying for that perfect crisp.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to maintain temperature.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the number of chillies based on your heat preference.
- Let the fried beef rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Equipment Needed
- Wok or Deep Pan: A wok is ideal for stir-frying, but any deep pan will work.
- Slotted Spoon: Perfect for removing the crispy beef from the oil.
- Mixing Bowls: Use for marinating and mixing sauces.
- Meat Knife: A sharp knife makes cutting the beef strips easier.
- Meat Thermometer: Optional, but helpful for checking oil temperature.
Variations of Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version. Ensure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before marinating.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your starch is certified gluten-free to keep this dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Extra Veggies: Add more vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for added nutrition and color. Just stir-fry them briefly before adding the beef.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, add more birdeye chillies or a splash of sriracha to the stir fry sauce for an extra punch.
- Sweet and Sour Twist: Mix in some pineapple chunks with the vegetables for a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
Serving Suggestions for Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce
- Serve over a bed of fluffy steamed rice for a comforting meal.
- Pair with stir-fried noodles tossed in a light soy sauce for extra flavor.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or extra spring onions for a pop of color.
- Enjoy with a chilled glass of iced tea or a light beer.
- For a complete meal, add a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
FAQs about Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce
Can I make Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can marinate the beef a few hours in advance. Just coat and fry it right before serving for that crispy texture. The sauce can also be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge.
What can I serve with Crispy Chilli Beef?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or stir-fried noodles. You can also serve it with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
How can I adjust the spice level?
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of birdeye chillies or omit them entirely. You can also use sweet chilli sauce without the added chillies for a gentler flavor.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Chicken or pork can be great substitutes for beef. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring the meat is cooked through.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your starch is certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce!
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating joyful moments around the dinner table. The delightful crunch of the beef, paired with the sweet and spicy sauce, brings smiles and satisfied bellies. I love how this dish transforms a busy weeknight into a special occasion, making everyone feel cherished. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce new flavors to your family. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the cooking adventure, and enjoy the delicious rewards that come with it. Happy cooking!
Print
Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
As a busy mom, I know how challenging it can be to whip up something delicious after a long day. That’s why I absolutely love this Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce! It’s a quick solution that satisfies those cravings for something savory and satisfying. The crispy beef, coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, is sure to impress your loved ones. Plus, it’s easy enough to make on a weeknight, yet fancy enough for a special occasion. Trust me, this dish will become a favorite in your household!
Ingredients
- 200 g Rump/Sirloin steak (or any tender steak cut)
- 1 Egg
- 1 cup Corn/Potato Starch (Flour)
- ½ Sweet Onion
- ½ Bell Pepper
- 2–3 Spring Onions
- 2–3 Birdeye/hot chillies
- 1 tbsp Light soy sauce (for marinating)
- 1 tsp Ginger garlic paste (for marinating)
- 1 tsp Sesame oil (for marinating)
- ½ tsp Sugar (for marinating)
- ¼ tsp White Pepper (for marinating)
- 3 tbsp Sweet Chilli Sauce (for stir fry sauce)
- 2 tbsp Ketchup (for stir fry sauce)
- 2 tbsp Light soy sauce (for stir fry sauce)
- 1 tsp Vinegar (white or rice, for stir fry sauce)
- 1 tbsp Sugar (for stir fry sauce)
- ½ tsp Salt (for stir fry sauce)
Instructions
- Cut beef into thin strips. Marinate the beef strips with all ingredients in the marinade list. Mix well and marinate for 15 mins.
- In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients from the stir fry sauce list and set aside.
- Break one egg into the marinated beef strips. Mix well.
- Coat the beef strips with corn/potato flour. Make sure all the beef strips are separated. Toss the excess flour out before frying.
- Heat the oil to high heat, about 350 F. Add the coated beef and deep fry for 1-2 mins until crispy.
- Remove from oil and transfer to a paper towel or cooling rack.
- Heat the wok/pan to medium high heat. Drizzle a tablespoon of oil, add the cut onions and stir for a few seconds. Then add the pepper slices, stir well.
- Add the fried beef strips. Pour the sauce mix, add the spring onions and fresh chillies. Stir well to combine all ingredients over high heat for 1-2 mins.
- Transfer to a serving plate. Serve immediately!
Notes
- Match with hot steamed/cooked rice or stir fry noodles.
- Perfect as a savory snack too!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
